Kofi Inkoom
The Utah Jazz are reportedly signing Josh Christopher, a former first-round pick of the Houston Rockets, to a two-way contract, reports Shams Charania of The Athletic.
Christopher, a 6-foot-5 shooting guard, was selected by the Rockets with the 24th overall pick in the 2021 NBA draft.
He played two seasons in Houston, averaging 6.9 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 18 minutes per game. He shot 45.5 percent from the field and 27.7 percent from the three-point line.
Christopher had some impressive performances in his rookie season, such as scoring 30 points on 11-of-14 shooting against the Minnesota Timberwolves and recording 23 points, seven rebounds, and five assists against the Los Angeles Clippers.
However, he also struggled with consistency and efficiency, as well as injuries that limited him to 74 games in two seasons.
In July 2023, the Rockets traded Josh Christopher to the Memphis Grizzlies as part of a complex four-team deal that also included the New Orleans Pelicans and the Charlotte Hornets.
Nonetheless, Christopher’s stint with the Grizzlies was short-lived, as he did not have the opportunity to play a single game for the team. The Grizzlies subsequently waived him in September.
The Utah Jazz currently have three players under two-way contracts: Joey Hauser, Johnny Juzang, and Micah Potter.
This situation implies that one of these players will need to be released to make room for Josh Christopher. At the moment, the Jazz have a complete 21-man roster.
Josh Christopher is the latest addition to the list of former first-round picks from the Houston Rockets who have signed two-way contracts with other teams this offseason.
The Houston Rockets traded away these young talents as part of their strategy to acquire more experienced players during the offseason.
As a two-way player, Josh Christopher will be able to split time between the Jazz and the Stars.